Problems With Gluten And Other Foods, Too

[grey3098]

Hello,

I am in day 33 or so of an allergy elimination diet. Anyhow, I have figured out several problems and for now I'll skip those. My big problem now is that I am sick of eating the tiny handful of things I *can* eat.

Has anyone on here discovered they have MANY food allergies/intolerances, and felt like they were down to having nothing to eat?

[Bubba's Mom]

So far.. I'm reacting to gluten, soy, milk, peanuts, MSG..and maybe something else? Soy and dairy are reallt tough for me. It's hard to even find supplements that are safe..and I need them.

I'm told that we may get some foods back once we heal? I hope so! I want chocolate back.

[bartfull]

Gluten, soy, corn, and I am not sure WHAT it is in other foods. The nutritionist I saw said that I'm reacting to pesticides on grocery store produce, and I think she's right - grocery store sweet potatoes make me really ill, but organic ones work just fine.

I've been doing this for nine months now, but I keep getting nailed whenever I try new foods so I'm sure that just as I start to heal, I'm setting myself back with these new foods.

I got sweet potatoes back and avocados too, as long as they're organic, but I lost white potatoes and ice cream. I'm left with no snacks at all.

I'm lucky that I can still do dairy, but even there I have to be careful - anything that is vitamin fortified (like the vitamin D added to milk) is carried on corn.

I'm hoping I'll heal and eventually be able to eat SOMETHING that tastes good. In the meantime I haven't found any vitamins that I can take (they ALL have hidden corn!) so it is good that I can do sweet potatoes and avocados because they are both packed with vitamins.

What I'm trying to do right now is look at food in a different way. It is something that relieves my hunger rather than something that tastes good. I fill my belly and move on, looking at eating as a necessity like sleep, but once I've eaten, I try not to think about food until I get hungry again.

[mommida]

Had to go all top 8 allergens, along with gluten, and peas (which means we were unsure about other legumes and beans).

It is possible, and you can't eat just lettuce either.

Enjoy Life had a lot of products that helped. The craving place, Namaste had quite a few mixes that helped too.

[GottaSki]

Yes.

Although I do enjoy my meals - it is very frustrating to not being able to eat anything processed - I MISS salty snacks to most - especially when those around me are crunch, crunch, crunching....

It has gotten easier to stick to it as my health improves - somedays are fine - yet today is a pity party day - probably because I don't feel well and can't figure out if I ate something that caused it.

[grey3098]

Right now I am: gluten-free, CF, corn-free, egg-free, peanut and tree-nut free, and brown and white rice-free. Most legumes are out but processed soy seems alright so far. Am also in trouble with salicylates as I am allergic to aspirin. I react to all meat, and am allergic to shrimp. Also react to all food from the "mustard family" which kills a lot of veggies, and the veggies and fruits that are not out so far are out when you add in allergy to latex and the cross-reactivity that causes. Finally, I am trying to stay refined sugar-free and just go with maybe stevia or brown-sugar if I really need something for a recipe. No WONDER I have not felt well in decades!!!

I keep chasing around when I am trying to look for ANY kind of recipe that is not soup soup soup. Blech. If it has no rice it has corn. If it has no corn it is not gluten-free. gluten-free and CF? Then it has eggs.

Here is what I really want--something chewy and/or crunchy that is NOT a vegetable or fruit. I want a piece of bread or a bagel or something.

And I want something silky/fatty feeling.

Ant ideas? I will go look at that Namaste someone mentioned--not even sure what it is!

[dani nero]

Right now I am: gluten-free, CF, corn-free, egg-free, peanut and tree-nut free, and brown and white rice-free. Most legumes are out but processed soy seems alright so far. Am also in trouble with salicylates as I am allergic to aspirin. I react to all meat, and am allergic to shrimp. Also react to all food from the "mustard family" which kills a lot of veggies, and the veggies and fruits that are not out so far are out when you add in allergy to latex and the cross-reactivity that causes. Finally, I am trying to stay refined sugar-free and just go with maybe stevia or brown-sugar if I really need something for a recipe. No WONDER I have not felt well in decades!!!

I keep chasing around when I am trying to look for ANY kind of recipe that is not soup soup soup. Blech. If it has no rice it has corn. If it has no corn it is not gluten-free. gluten-free and CF? Then it has eggs.

Here is what I really want--something chewy and/or crunchy that is NOT a vegetable or fruit. I want a piece of bread or a bagel or something.

And I want something silky/fatty feeling.

Ant ideas? I will go look at that Namaste someone mentioned--not even sure what it is!

Can you do oats, yeast, and any type of lactose free milk (soy, almond, coconut or cow milk with extracted gluten)? If yes, then get an oat flour mix and a bread-maker. Lots of recipes with only these ingredients + oil, and it comes out very moist and soft. Doesn't even need reheating because it stays soft and in-tact. You can do so many things with oats if you don't react. Cookies, pies and lots of bread types.

Sorry to hear about your limited diet :-( I'm almost in the same boat as you but not as bad since I am ok with all types of meat and rice. Hope this helped

[grey3098]

I CAN do oats and that is TERRIFIC news!!!! I will hunt the net for some recipes!!!

Thanks tons!

VERY encouraging news to go to bed with.

[dani nero]

I CAN do oats and that is TERRIFIC news!!!! I will hunt the net for some recipes!!!

Thanks tons!

VERY encouraging news to go to bed with.

Glad to hear that! You can put all sorts of things in the bread like olives and dried tomatoes to give them an Italian flavor.. or even raisins so they're like english cake. I bought a bread maker two days ago and it included many gluten-free recipes. It's great since I can have fresh bread every day with very little work, and costs a lot less than ready-made bread :-)

Just to be on the safe side (although you probably already know) so you don't accidentally get glutened: the oats need to be labeled gluten free.

[grey3098]

I have a chance to get over to Whole Foods tomorrow--so I am looking for olive oil, more gluten-free oats, some milk substitute, and

#1 what kind of yeast?

#2 do I HAVE to have a bread machine for this to work or can I do it normally for awhile until I can save for a machine?

#3 which machine are you using?

THANKS again!

[dani nero]

I have a chance to get over to Whole Foods tomorrow--so I am looking for olive oil, more gluten-free oats, some milk substitute, and

#1 what kind of yeast?

#2 do I HAVE to have a bread machine for this to work or can I do it normally for awhile until I can save for a machine?

#3 which machine are you using?

THANKS again!

If you're using a bread maker then you usually use instant yeast powder (which of course has to be gluten-free as well), but of course you don't need a machine to make bread.. it just makes things easier and less fussy in the kitchen. I'm honestly not very happy with mine because it doesn't mix the dough very well, so I wouldn't recommend it. I think your best bet is to go to the store and ask for advice, or maybe someone else on this forum who's happy with theirs can suggest one.

The type of yeast varies depending on the recipe you're using. I haven't baked much so I'm afraid I don't have much experience with good recipes. I'm sure there are good recipes on this website somewhere.

The oat bread mix that I liked most was Open Original Shared Link

The page includes recipes that are suitable for the flour.

I noticed that it contains more ingredients than what I originally specified (potato and sunflower seeds) but the same brand has pure oat flour as well.. The pure oat flour won't raise as well as the oat bread mix but it will still taste good.

[grey3098]

Would you like for me to share a recipe I just got from a friend (sort of an oat flatbread) once I get it to work for me? I'll ask her if it is ok but I am pretty sure she'd like to share.

The bonus is that it requires no yeast or machine--just oats, water, onions, sesame seeds, and salt!

Sorry you're not that pleased yet. This is such a different life, isn't it? I feel like I spend half the time cleaning, chopping, and cooking, and the other half eating because I am famished 1 hour after I eat!

[dani nero]

Would you like for me to share a recipe I just got from a friend (sort of an oat flatbread) once I get it to work for me? I'll ask her if it is ok but I am pretty sure she'd like to share.

The bonus is that it requires no yeast or machine--just oats, water, onions, sesame seeds, and salt!

YES I can do sesame and I love flatbread! :-D If it's ok with your friend of course!

Sorry you're not that pleased yet. This is such a different life, isn't it? I feel like I spend half the time cleaning, chopping, and cooking, and the other half eating because I am famished 1 hour after I eat!

Hahahaha :-D

Yes it is difficult! I've been gluten-free for a while, but we didn't realize I was that sensitive until a short while ago, which is why the strict changes need some adapting to. The cooking I've gotten used to, but the good news for you is that the chopping and cooking (maybe not the cleaning haha) will become enjoyable and a means to relieve stress through if you get into it.. and then you'll even start getting creative by coming up with your new personal flavors and recipes that you'll really enjoy and be proud of. Cooking has to become part of our lives, so might as well enjoy it.

[newbietlh]

So, someone here mentioned staying away from sugar. By choice or necessity? I am trying to figure out if I am having a reaction to sugar. I normally get cravings before my period. Since going gluten-free, the things I eat to fill those cravings are devoid of just about everything (chocolate, which now gives me heartburn, dairy, eggs and gluten...just so happens the best gluten-free goodies I have found are also vegan) except sugar. And I have gotten the bubble guts each time ive indulged. Anybody know anything I don't?

[grey3098]

So, someone here mentioned staying away from sugar. By choice or necessity? I am trying to figure out if I am having a reaction to sugar. I normally get cravings before my period. Since going gluten-free, the things I eat to fill those cravings are devoid of just about everything (chocolate, which now gives me heartburn, dairy, eggs and gluten...just so happens the best gluten-free goodies I have found are also vegan) except sugar. And I have gotten the bubble guts each time ive indulged. Anybody know anything I don't?

I know that I did not intend one way or another to do anything with sugar when I began my allergy elimination testing; just a couple weeks in I realized that a result of testing was I'd not had any sugar, and I had not missed it or even noticed. So a few days ago (30+ days into testing) I tested applesauce with only apples, water, and sugar. And since I've tested a couple other things. The very clear results are that my throat immediately "hurts" like it is raw and very very dry, and I can't swallow the rawness away, or soothe it with liquids. And I don't feel all that hot, either, GI-wise. But mostly that thing that buts me is the throat since it is so immediate and so long-lasting.

About things you've discovered give you heartburn or other problems, I have had that same experience. I have been surprised at some foods that I did not know bothered me so drastically, and surprised at some I just knew were giving me troubles on which it is now obvious I've mislaid blame!

[Lori2]

So, someone here mentioned staying away from sugar. By choice or necessity? I am trying to figure out if I am having a reaction to sugar. I normally get cravings before my period. Since going gluten-free, the things I eat to fill those cravings are devoid of just about everything (chocolate, which now gives me heartburn, dairy, eggs and gluten...just so happens the best gluten-free goodies I have found are also vegan) except sugar. And I have gotten the bubble guts each time ive indulged. Anybody know anything I don't?

I have a sensitivity to sugar (beet, cane, honey, agave, xylitol--my gum--dates, raisins). Cane sugar showed up as positive on an IGg blood test--the only one of the group included in the test. The others identified by elimination and symptoms.

[grey3098]

Hi--my friend gave me permission to share the recipe, saying she got it from someone 15 or 20 years ago!

2 C gluten-free oatmeal (not instant, though), uncooked

2 C water

Soak for 1 hour then add

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 C grated onion

1/3 C salter roasted sunflower seeds

(or, in place of the onions and sunflower seeds use 2/3 raisins)

Continue soaking 1 more hour

Spread in a well-greased 9 by 13 pan and bake in a *preheated* 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes, until slightly browned.

She said that when this is done correctly (and I did not do it right the first time! lol) it is sturdy enough for sandwiches!

[dani nero]

Hi--my friend gave me permission to share the recipe, saying she got it from someone 15 or 20 years ago!

2 C gluten-free oatmeal (not instant, though), uncooked

2 C water

Soak for 1 hour then add

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 C grated onion

1/3 C salter roasted sunflower seeds

(or, in place of the onions and sunflower seeds use 2/3 raisins)

Continue soaking 1 more hour

Spread in a well-greased 9 by 13 pan and bake in a *preheated* 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes, until slightly browned.

She said that when this is done correctly (and I did not do it right the first time! lol) it is sturdy enough for sandwiches!

Thanks so much to you and your friend :-) I'll consider this recipe a treasured "secret" ;-) I won't be able to try it for three more weeks though. Decided to cut oats for a month (based on recommendation)

[grey3098]

YOU SAID "Decided to cut oats for a month (based on recommendation)"

Would you mind sharing why? I keep trying oats and getting iffy results but I know they are gluten-free.

[dani nero]

YOU SAID "Decided to cut oats for a month (based on recommendation)"

Would you mind sharing why? I keep trying oats and getting iffy results but I know they are gluten-free.

To test if I react to them, and that's the only way to be able to tell. I don't know if you're reacting or not but the only way for you to know is to do an elimination diet like me. I ate nothing but meat and green vegetables for a week. When I started feeling that I detoxed, I added a food back to my diet and tried it for three days, then added a new one if all went well. Oats have to be cut off for a month to know if it's the culprit for sure.

[grey3098]

To test if I react to them, and that's the only way to be able to tell. I don't know if you're reacting or not but the only way for you to know is to do an elimination diet like me. I ate nothing but meat and green vegetables for a week. When I started feeling that I detoxed, I added a food back to my diet and tried it for three days, then added a new one if all went well. Oats have to be cut off for a month to know if it's the culprit for sure.

In January I began the elimination diet by doing the "detox" period eating only safe foods, then trying one food at a time. Now that I've gone through most of the foods I am going through some one more time to be sure. Wheat is for sure though not clear on whether or not that means "gluten". Dairy is for sure. Mushrooms and eggs are also for sure allergic reactions.

What I don't like about oats is that they seem to really mess with my blood sugars and, since beginning all of this testing, I have learned that blood sugars above a certain number come from foods I cannot tolerate. But I hate to just dump them for that reason since I don't seem to be having asthma or itching or the other more serious results. Still, I am learning SO MUCH about my body that I hate to just ignore this sign.

Thanks for always replying

[dani nero]

In January I began the elimination diet by doing the "detox" period eating only safe foods, then trying one food at a time. Now that I've gone through most of the foods I am going through some one more time to be sure. Wheat is for sure though not clear on whether or not that means "gluten". Dairy is for sure. Mushrooms and eggs are also for sure allergic reactions.

What I don't like about oats is that they seem to really mess with my blood sugars and, since beginning all of this testing, I have learned that blood sugars above a certain number come from foods I cannot tolerate. But I hate to just dump them for that reason since I don't seem to be having asthma or itching or the other more serious results. Still, I am learning SO MUCH about my body that I hate to just ignore this sign.

Thanks for always replying

What do you usually eat them with? Oats are mainly fiber.. I don't think they're that high on energy, but then again I'm no expert.. and they are still considered carbs :-/ I hope you figure it out and they work for you. Sorry you're having such a tough time.

[Sparky10]

Good to hear someone else has 'throat' issues...I get mucus in the throat as soon as I eat just about anything and it last for hours after eating...but at least I stopped the 'war' in my stomach after eating by taking pro biotic capsules plus no more constipation!,, simply amazing!